Friendsgiving Food Ideas - The 35 Best Recipes

Friendsgiving Food Ideas

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November 3rd, 2023

35 Friendsgiving food ideas, with options from traditional to creative and unusual. This list has savory mains, side dishes, sweet pies, and pie alternatives, so you’re sure to find everything you need for your Friendsgiving feast.

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Hosting Friendsgiving but not sure what you should serve? Not to worry – I’ve got you covered with 35 of my favorite Friendsgiving Food Ideas!

I love Thanksgiving with my family, but I also really enjoy spending a day in the fall with all my closest friends, cooking and baking together, for a fun, food-filled Friendsgiving celebration.

So, in light of the ever-growing popularity of Friendsgiving, I have put together a list of my favorite recipes to give you plenty of Friendsgiving food ideas. 

This list has a little bit of everything, from traditional turkey and pie to more unusual options like chicken pot pie or pizza, plus all of my most delicious side dishes and desserts.

And if you’re not into pies, don’t worry – I’ve added lots of non-pie dessert options that are easy and perfect for your Friendsgiving feast.

There’s something for everyone on this fun list, so grab your BFFs, and let’s get to it!

It’s giving FRIENDS. 😉 

35+ Friendsgiving Food Ideas

Whether you’re looking for traditional or not-so-traditional Friendsgiving recipes, there’s something for everyone on this list!

Friendsgiving Main Dishes

Slow Cooker Turkey Breast

Sliced slow cooker turkey breast, on a plate, on top of a bed of fresh rosemary, with a fork ready to serve guests.

My Slow Cooker Turkey Breast with easy gravy requires just 10 minutes of prep time and doesn’t take up valuable space in your oven! Extra tender and moist, this easy turkey recipe is a win-win. As HTH reader Kathy J. says, “About 4-5 years ago I came across this recipe and decided to try it. BEST DECISION EVER!“. Get the recipe >>

Chicken Pot Pie with Biscuits

a hot skillet full of chicken pot pie with biscuits, ready to serve.

This Chicken Pot Pie with Biscuits is a delicious, cozy option if you’re not feeling the turkey this Friendsgiving. The pot pie base is creamy, hearty and SO flavorful, filled with shredded meat (grab a rotisserie chicken to make this super easy!), lots of vegetables, spices, and fresh herbs. Topped with buttery, flaky Buttermilk Biscuits to take this dish to another level. Get the recipe >>

Make Your Own Pizza (includes my no-knead pizza dough recipe!)

my pizza recipe, topped with red sauce, cheese and fresh basil, on a pizza peel.

For a super easy, delicious, non-traditional Friendsgiving main dish, try making your own pizza from scratch! My No-Knead Pizza Recipe has a crispy crust and a beautifully soft interior. Prepare bowls of a variety of toppings, so each of your friends can make their own pizza. As HTH baker Heather A. says, “This recipe is a keeper!Get the recipe >>

Friendsgiving Side Dishes

Soft Pretzel Stuffing

pretzel stuffing recipe, showing the cut-up pretzels and vegetables.

Soft Pretzel Stuffing is easily my favorite stuffing recipe ever! All the traditional flavors, but with a much more fun soft pretzel base. This recipe is so easy to make and your friends will surely be coming back for seconds. As HTH reader Susan says, “Before this recipe no one liked stuffing in my family, but that’s now changed.Get the recipe >>

Jalapeño Cornbread with Bacon & Cheddar

jalapeno cornbread cut into slices on a wire rack.

My Jalapeño Cornbread with Cheddar & Bacon is easy to make, moist, buttery, fluffy, and so delicious. This recipe kicks it up a notch from your typical cornbread with oozy melted sharp cheddar, spicy jalapeños, and crispy bacon! A yummy Friendsgiving side dish with a bit of a kick. Get the recipe >>

Copycat Olive Garden Breadsticks

copycat olive garden breadsticks recipe wrapped in a linen towel in a bread basket with marinara sauce on the side.

Copycat Olive Garden Breadsticks are buttery, garlic-scented, and chewy breadsticks that are utterly addictive! Such a fun Friendsgiving food idea, and the perfect complement to your meal. Get the recipe >>

Crowd-Pleasing Sweet Potato Casserole

sweet potato casserole in a ceramic casserole dish, alternatingly topped with mini marshmallows and pecans.

A Thanksgiving staple, but more interesting, you ask? This Crowd-Pleasing Sweet Potato Casserole has both a pecan topping and a marshmallow topping, for the best of both worlds! As HTH reader Amanda reports, “I’ve made this for 6 years now. BEST recipe in my opinion! Everyone I’ve ever made it for loves it too.Get the recipe >>

Homemade Hawaiian Rolls

homemade hawaiian bread rolls with butter brushed on top, some still in the pan and a couple removed and turned on their side to show their fluffy texture.

Homemade Hawaiian Rolls are light, fluffy, and utterly delicious – just like the store-bought version, but even better. Sweet, soft, squishy, and surprisingly easy to make, your friends will be asking for these rolls every Friendsgiving for the rest of time! Get the recipe >>

Ultimate Macaroni & Cheese

a dish of mac and cheese in a baking pan, with a large spoon, ready to serve.

This baked Ultimate Macaroni and Cheese recipe has a creamy, silky, rich cheese sauce that’s perfectly balanced by a crispy, crunchy homemade breadcrumb topping. So easy to make, and the perfect side no matter what’s on the rest of your Friendsgiving menu! Get the recipe >>

Red Lobster Homemade Cheesy Garlic Biscuits

homemade copycat red lobster biscuits being brushed with garlic butter.

These Red Lobster Homemade Cheesy Garlic Biscuits are super easy and take only 30 minutes to make – and they taste a million times better than the original cheddar bay biscuits! Slightly flaky and crisp on the outside, ultra-tender and fluffy inside, and bursting with cheesy buttery garlic goodness. As HTH reader Jeni says, “The best recipe we’ve ever tried for these, will never need another!”  Get the recipe >>

Pumpkin Bread Rolls with Cinnamon Butter

lineup of homemade pumpkin bread rolls on a plain background.

Pumpkin Bread Rolls with Cinnamon Butter are slightly sweet and SO festive, with their easy and adorable pumpkin shapes. Your friends are going to LOVE these! Get the recipe >> 

Pie Recipes for Friendsgiving 

Browned Butter Maple Pecan Pie

the perfect elevated pecan pie for friensgiving, unsliced in a pie pan, surrounded by pecans.

A traditional Thanksgiving pie but elevated, this Browned Butter Maple Pecan Pie is made without corn syrup and uses browned butter for SO much flavor. It has the perfect balance of sweet and salty flavors. The best Friendsgiving dessert option ever! As HTH baker Marguerite reports, “I followed this recipe exactly and would not change a thing. Even people who were not pecan pie fans in the past liked this one! I will be making it again, for sure!Get the recipe >>

Easy Pumpkin Pie

easy pumpkin pie slice with a dollop of whipped cream, with a fork on a plate.

Super traditional but also super easy, this Pumpkin Pie recipe is made with a quick graham cracker crust, homemade spiced filling, and topped with freshly whipped cream. Simple, delish, and can be made ahead of time. Get the recipe >>

Caramel Apple Streusel Pie

homemade fresh baked apple crumb pie in a pie pan.

Caramel Apple Streusel Pie is the most decadently delicious pie you’ll eat all year! Featuring a buttery, flaky pie crust, filled with perfectly-sweetened apples and topped with a toffee-studded streusel topping. Your friends are going to go crazy for this pie. Get the recipe >>

Peanut Butter Pie

a slice of peanut butter pie on a plate, ready to serve.

This homemade Peanut Butter Pie is made from scratch with just a few ingredients and will have all your friends coming back for seconds! Super easy and can be made ahead, for maximum chill time on Friendsgiving Day. As HTH reader Barbara says, “I made this today to take to a friend’s for dinner. It came out great! Highly recommend!Get the recipe >>

No Bake Pumpkin Mousse Pie

a slice of no-bake pumpkin mousse pie on a plate with a fork.

Want a pie with traditional Pumpkin Pie flavors, but more fun? My No Bake Pumpkin Mousse Pie features a thick Biscoff cookie crust filled with homemade pumpkin spice mousse and topped with fresh whipped cream. A super easy Friendsgiving food idea! Get the recipe >>

French Silk Pie

the whole French silk pie with chocolate curls on top.

French Silk Pie features an Oreo cookie crust, rich and creamy chocolate filling, and is topped with homemade whipped cream and chocolate shavings. A total crowd-pleaser, this pie is the perfect Friendsgiving dessert. As HTH baker Amy reports, “Truly silky. Perfectly chocolately. Will 100% make again.Get the recipe >>

Butterscotch Pie

Butterscotch Pie slice on a plate, with a fork ready to take a bite.

Butterscotch Pie is made with an easy spiced Biscoff cookie crust and a homemade butterscotch pudding filling, topped with fresh whipped cream. All the fall vibes, but in a pudding pie. Get the recipe >>

Chocolate Peanut Butter Pudding Pie

Chocolate Peanut Butter Pudding Pie sliced and ready to serve!

Chocolate Peanut Butter Pudding Pie tastes like a giant Reese’s peanut butter cup but so much better because it’s made with thick and creamy pudding! This pie won’t last long on your Friendsgiving table. Get the recipe >>

Non-Pie Desserts for Friendsgiving 

Pumpkin Cheesecake

pumpkin cheesecake, topped with whipped cream, with a slice being cut and removed to serve.

Pumpkin Pie, but make it cheesecake! Creamy, smooth, rich, and indulgent Pumpkin Cheesecake made with a Biscoff cookie crust and topped with homemade whipped cream. No water bath is needed for this fall-tastic cheesecake. Get the recipe >>

Apple Galette

homemade rustic apple galette on a baking pan with parchment paper, next to a bowl of apricot jam.

This Homemade Apple Galette is perfect if you want the flavors of an apple pie but find pies intimidating. This recipe has a buttery, flaky tart crust and a perfectly spiced fresh apple filling. The best rustic dessert for your Friendsgiving feast. Just ask HTH reader Lisa, who says, “This galette is amazing! Flaky tender crust and the apples are perfectly flavored with the right combination of spices. The perfect pie without the fuss of a pie!Get the recipe >>

Classic Cheesecake Bars

slices of cheesecake bar with a variety of toppings, like ganache and fresh raspberries.

Classic Cheesecake Bars have a buttery graham cracker crust with an ultra-creamy and slightly tangy cheesecake filling. Top with chocolate ganache or salted caramel to take this easy dessert to a whole other level! Get the recipe >>

Pumpkin Spice Coffee Cake

pumpkin spice coffee cake with maple icing drizzled across.

Quick and easy Pumpkin Spice Coffee Cake features a moist sour cream pumpkin cake loaded with brown sugar streusel and topped with a maple glaze. Super simple and SO delicious, this 1-hour recipe is my most popular fall recipe for good reason! As reader Esmeralda says, “Made it today and wow! so delicious and moist!Get the recipe >>

Oreo Cheesecake

oreo cheesecake with chocolate ganache topping and whipped cream piped on top.

Oreo Cheesecake is the ultimate dessert for Oreo lovers of all ages! A rich, buttery Oreo base sits beneath a luscious, ultra-creamy, Oreo-studded cheesecake filling, all topped with a simple homemade whipped cream. A deliciously indulgent way to end your Friendsgiving meal. Get the recipe >>

Pumpkin Bars with Brown Sugar Frosting

a slice of pumpkin bar with a thick layer of brown sugar frosting on top, sitting on a plate, with more bars behind.

Pumpkin Bars with Brown Sugar Frosting are the perfect fall crowd-pleasing treat! Thick, soft, & deliciously spiced, these bars feature a generous layer of brown sugar frosting that will have all your friends coming back for seconds. And, bonus: they’re super easy. According to HTH reader Aleta, “These are absolutely phenomenal.Get the recipe >>

Pumpkin Snickerdoodles

Pumpkin Snickerdoodles stacked 4 high to show how thick they are.

If you’re looking for the easiest Friendsgiving food idea ever, give my Pumpkin Snickerdoodles a try. They’re ultra thick, soft, and loaded with classic pumpkin spice flavors. Get the recipe >>

Salted Caramel Apple Sheet Cake

a slice of Salted Caramel Apple Sheet Cake on a white plate.

Salted Caramel Apple Sheet Cake features an ultra-tender, slightly spongy cinnamon apple cake with a thick and shiny salted caramel glaze. Perfect for serving a crowd at your Friendsgiving celebration! Just ask reader Nora, who says, “A fun recipe to make and the results were terrific. So good, moist, and lots of apple goodness.Get the recipe >>

Sweet Potato Pie Bars

a slice of Sweet Potato Pie Bar with a bite taken out.

Pie, but in easy bar form! Sweet Potato Pie Bars have a thick graham cracker crust, fresh sweet potato filling, and tall toasted homemade marshmallow topping. A delicious addition to any Friendsgiving table. Get the recipe >>

Easy Pumpkin Cake with Whipped Ganache

a slice of cake on a plate with a fork.

Easy Pumpkin Cake with Whipped Ganache features a super simple spiced pumpkin sour cream cake topped with creamy and light whipped chocolate ganache. Quick and super simple to make, and no decorating skills required. Get the recipe >>

Crème Brûlée Pumpkin Chocolate Cheesecake Bars

Crème Brûlée Pumpkin Chocolate Cheesecake Bars lined up, ready to serve.

Crème Brûlée Pumpkin Chocolate Cheesecake Bars are a fun twist on the traditional pumpkin pie. These bars are loaded with incredible flavors, all topped with a crunchy caramelized sugar topping. Texture heaven! Get the recipe >>

Apple Crisp Cookie Bars

Easy non-pie dessert option for Friendsgiving: Apple Crisp Cookie bar on a plate, with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top.

Apple Crisp Cookie Bars feature a simple chewy cookie crust covered with cinnamon apples and a crispy sweet oat topping for a super easy Friendsgiving dessert. Ready in just over 1 hour. According to HTH reader Mykala, “Amazing!! Pretty easy to make and oh so delicious! Perfect fall treat for potlucks and such!Get the recipe >>

Butterscotch Cake

a slice of Butterscotch Cake with a bite taken out.

Butterscotch Cake is the perfect Friendsgiving dessert! Super moist and tender brown sugar cake layers, filled with thick homemade butterscotch sauce, all finished with butterscotch buttercream. The perfect centerpiece to wow your friends. Get the recipe >>

Caramel Pecan Blondies

several caramel pecan blondies stacked on top of each other.

Caramel Pecan Blondies feature an ultra-chewy brown sugar blondie with a hidden layer of rich, gooey, and crunchy caramel pecan filling. So many delicious fall flavors, all packed into one bar. Get the recipe >>

Butter Pecan Sheet Cake

iced cake topped with buttery pecan pieces, sliced up.

Looking for a super quick and easy Friendsgiving dessert that will feed a crowd but not require a ton of work? My Butter Pecan Sheet Cake is the way to go! Moist and fluffy sheet cake, studded with butter pecans, and topped with a luscious brown sugar glaze. Bonus: you don’t even need a mixer for this recipe! Get the recipe >>

Salted Caramel Apple Pie Pizookies

two apple pie pizookies in their skillets, on top of blue napkins, both topped with salted caramel apples and ready to serve.

When it comes to Friendsgiving food ideas, you don’t get more fun than this! Salted Caramel Apple Pie Pizza Cookies are white chocolate chip skillet cookies, topped with fresh caramel apple pie filling, ice cream, and more caramel. Fall decadence at its finest! Just ask reader SharonJo, who says, “I bake a lot, and this might be the best thing I’ve ever made–absolutely delicious!Get the recipe >>

Which recipe will you bring to your Friendsgiving gathering? For even more recipe ideas, head to my Thanksgiving headquarters!

Tessa Arias
Author: Tessa Arias

I share trusted baking recipes your friends will LOVE alongside insights into the science of sweets. I'm a professionally trained chef, cookbook author, and cookie queen. I love to write about all things sweet, carb-y, and homemade. I live in Phoenix, Arizona (hence the blog name!)

Tessa Arias

About Tessa...

I share trusted baking recipes your friends will LOVE alongside insights into the science of sweets. I'm a professionally trained chef, cookbook author, and cookie queen. I love to write about all things sweet, carb-y, and homemade. I live in Phoenix, Arizona (hence the blog name!)

Find Tessa on  

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  1. #
    Annette Spurgin — November 9, 2023 at 11:35 am

    Soundz like a awesome lineup i cant wait to try some n i already shared your friend#giving casserole ‼️‼️. Gonna share this too on my FB‼️‼️
    thxxxx

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